Will current slump impact Bosh's status with Heat?

ASK IRA:

MIAMI — Q: Loyalty . . . is it worth $20 million a year to keep Chris Bosh? The Heat could do so much more with $20 million. -- Jorge.

A: First, Chris Bosh is not here for the November games in Cleveland or Toronto, when focus might not be at a premium. He's in place to draw Roy Hibbert or David West out of the defensive post in May. Yes, it has been a rollercoaster with Chris, which also has been the case during some playoff series. But he also has made some of the biggest playoff plays in franchise history. All of that said, your point about his long-term salary and the luxury-tax implications are legitimate, that the Heat might be able to realize a somewhat commensurate payoff at far less of a payday. Who knows, maybe Pau Gasol comes available for far less on next summer's free-agent market and the equation changes? But a few early-season struggles do not diminish Chris' value in the greater scheme of this season.

Q: Now that Michael Beasley has finished two games in a row with the starters, is it still only me who sees Erik Spoelstra spoon-feeding him playing time to keep him motivated? I guarantee that after the All-Star break if not sooner, Beasley will be a permanent fixture in the rotation if not starting lineup. It's evident he's one of the top six players on the team with only the Big Three, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers ahead of him. -- Tony, Fort Lauderdale.

A: I think you're selling short Norris Cole, Chris Andersen and perhaps another player or two in your evaluation. Plus, it has always been about more than on-court results for Michael. I think the Heat also want to make sure the trust in him is absolute and justified before they take the next step and actually become reliant on his contributions.

Q: There's very little being said about the status of Greg Oden other than he's inactive and the team is taking it "slow." Do you know if he's even practicing? -- Saul, Miami.

A: He is, and the lack of insight is by design, something agreed to when he signed. When he's ready, he's ready. The Heat essentially are making him off-limits to the media as if he was an injured player. When he plays, then, by rule, the team will have to make him available for comment.